Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 12/30/2009

Question
Dr. Myerson,

Thank you for taking the time to read this. My son just turned 9 years old and has been seeing an orthodontist since he was 6. The old orthodontist finally decided to start pulling his teeth (his main problem is that his bottom jaw is too small for his teeth and narrow) and, after having 2 teeth pulled, when he wanted to pull 3 more (especially since he had never looked at his x-ray until the final appointment), I switched orthodontists.

This new orthodontist seemed great. He took detailed pictures and told me that pulling was not a good idea for young children. He spoke a great deal about making the bottom jaw wider "while he's still young" and only briefly about how his tongue hit the roof of his mouth when he swallowed. I was led to believe that he was going to have an expander put on for the bottom of his jaw.

After we'd had the spacers put in and went for another mold, I asked the tech. what the name of the appliance was. She said it was called a tongue crib. I looked it up and it is not what he needs at all. I asked the tech. about it via phone later and she says that the ortho wants him treated with it to prevent problems that "will likely occur when he gets older".

I know I'm not an orthodontist, but in the research I've done, a tongue crib is not what will help at this point. He has no speech impediment nor do his two front teeth poke out at all. He does have a bit of an open bite but it is more because his two front teeth haven't had the space to fully grow in (something he said during the initial meeting) than for any other reason. I'd be happy to send you a picture of his teeth if that would help. My question, I guess, is this: should I trust my gut instinct and refuse the tongue crib?

Thank you,

Randi

Answer
Perhaps you should trust your gut and have another opinion.  There is nothing wrong with requesting duplicates of the x-rays for a second opinion.  I suggest you leave the option open to continue with this orthodontist if, after further inquiry, it seems to be the correct approach.